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David Fitzhugh, M.D.

David Fitzhugh, M.D.

My overall philosophy of medicine is one of communication and alliance with my patients to find solutions to their allergic, asthmatic, and immunologic conditions. While I believe in appropriate and intelligent use of diagnostic testing and imaging when required, I have found in my training and practice that what is most important is taking the time to listen to my patients and to educate them about their conditions and the treatment options that exist. As each patient is unique, the therapeutic strategies I utilize are individually tailored to maximize the success of the treatment plan.

I am extremely excited to return to Chapel Hill to open an Allergy Partners office. Growing up in a military family, I have lived throughout the US and UK in my childhood, but I consider North Carolina home. I attended medical school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, and completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, I spent a number of years involved in scientific research at both UNC and Duke prior to my allergy fellowship. My specialty training in Allergy/Immunology was fulfilled at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

What I enjoy most about Allergy/Immunology is the opportunity to treat the entire age spectrum from small children to the elderly, and the chance to significantly improve the lives of my patients with a cooperative, patient-based approach. I understand that allergic and immunologic conditions can be both frightening and potentially debilitating, and my commitment to my patients is to deliver not only state-of-the-art medicine, but also truly compassionate care.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young daughters, as well as our lazy but loveable yellow Lab. I also enjoy reading, traveling, home theater, playing tennis, and watching golf in my spare time.

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical College of Virginia
RESIDENCY: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Internal Medicine
FELLOWSHIP: University of South Florida
BOARD CERTIFIED: Internal Medicine/ Adult and Pediatric Allergy/Immunology
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Dr. David Fitzhugh at Allergy Partners of Chapel Hill, is offering oral peanut desensitization as a therapy for management of peanut allergy. Dr. Fitzhugh is one of a few board certified allergists nationwide who offers this therapy. Oral peanut desensitization is a protocol that has been extensively researched in the academic setting and is now safely performed in the outpatient setting. Patients must be greater than the age of 3 in order to participate.

Here are the Facts:
● 3 million Americans have peanut allergy.
● Approximately 20% of people will outgrow their peanut allergy.
● 12% of peanut allergic patients will have an accidental exposure to peanut per year.
● 20-32% of fatal food associated reactions are secondary to peanut exposure.
● In two Peanut Desensitization Studies, approximately 85% of patients reached a desensitized state with a minimum time of 104 days.

Once desensitized, patients may eat as much peanut as they would like however, a minimum of 8 peanuts must be consumed per day to maintain the desensitized state.

Patients who have children desensitized to food allergens have less fear and anxiety about food induced anaphylaxis.